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Finding The Next Play | ACL Recovery

@findingthenextplay

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Former Athlete | ACL Recovery
When the game pauses, purpose doesn’t.
Finding the next play after injury.

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ATHLETE PERSPECTIVE 🧠🏆

The mental side of sport matters — not just when things are going well, but especially when you’re facing injury, disappointment, and uncertainty.

Meet Mak, a former college softball player and semi-pro football player for the Utah Falconz. After tearing her ACL playing football, having her graft fail, and going through four knee surgeries in two years, she knows firsthand what it takes to keep moving forward.

Through Finding the Next Play, Mak shares the highs, lows, and everything she’s learning about finding your next chapter after injury.

I asked Mak about the importance of mental performance throughout an athletic career, how coaching could have impacted some of the hardest seasons of her journey, and how athletes can build belief and identity beyond their sport.

Her story is a powerful reminder that an injury, a setback, or someone else’s decision does not get to define your future.
Thank you, Mak, for sharing your perspective! 🤍

Athletes — how do you relate to what Mak shared in the slides above?

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It’s hard to put into words what this year has meant to me.

When I accepted the position at West Jordan High School, I was excited, but I was also terrified. Teaching high school felt like such a big leap, and I spent a lot of time wondering if I was ready. What I didn’t know then was that this school, these students, and this community would impact me far more than I ever expected.

This year stretched me in ways I never could have imagined. Professionally, I had the opportunity to teach classes I could have only dreamed of teaching. Personally, I faced some of my biggest challenges yet, navigating three knee surgeries throughout the school year. There were days when showing up felt difficult, but this community gave me so many reasons to keep going. Through every challenge, I grew stronger, learned more about myself, and was reminded of the power of resilience, patience, and support.

To my students: thank you for letting me be a small part of your journey. Thank you for the conversations, the laughter, the hard work, and the memories. You have inspired me more than you will ever know. Watching you grow, take risks, and discover what you’re capable of has been one of the greatest joys of my career.

To my fellow educators: thank you for your support, encouragement, and friendship. Your passion for students and dedication to this profession is something I will always carry with me.

West Jordan became so much more than a workplace. It became a place where I found confidence, built meaningful relationships, and created memories that I will cherish for years to come.

Leaving is bittersweet because saying goodbye to something this special is never easy. But I am walking away with a full heart and so much gratitude for every person who made this year what it was.

Thank you, West Jordan, for taking a chance on me. This year changed me for the better, and I will never forget it.

✨ Next chapter: loading…

P.S. This year’s theme song was Can’t Hold Us, and honestly, it couldn’t have been more fitting. The determination, resilience, and drive I saw in our students every day is something I’ll never forget. Every time I hear that song, I’ll think o

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Hey friends… I’m back 🫶✨

After 3 knee surgeries in the last 9 months, I had to step away to focus on healing. But this page has always meant so much to me, and I’m so ready for a fresh start. A little rebirth of The Thrifted Charm 🌿

I’m planning to start posting biweekly again, focusing on thrifted clothing, especially 24 months & under + women’s dresses 🤍

✨ What do you want to see?
✨ What are you looking for?

Drop it below 👇

You can also follow along with my recovery + football journey @findingthenextplay 💙

So grateful to be back 🫶

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Meet Mak #89 • DE / LB

Virginia born and raised, high school business teacher, Southern Virginia alum, and heading into her fourth season with the Falconz.

A former college softball player, Mak decided to step onto the football field to continue her athletic journey. What started as a new challenge quickly became something more, another outlet to compete, grow, and push herself beyond her comfort zone.

While recovering from an ACL injury, Mak has stepped into a different but equally important role, serving as a team photographer and leader of the Falconz social media team. Whether she’s on the field or behind the lens, she continues to show up for her teammates. For Mak, being a Falcon means family, sisterhood, and a home away from home — a place where bonds are built and battles are fought together. 🦅

🎵 Hype song: I Look Good
🥪 Pregame meal: Jimmy John’s
💬 Favorite quote: “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
📸@mak_attack_5 @findingthenextplay

@wnfcfootball
#WNFC #WNFCFootball #StepYourGameUp #FootballLooksLikeThis #BuiltDifferent #HerGame #StrongerTogether #Utah #WomensTackleFootball #UtahFalconz #FalconzFamily #WingzUp #UtahSports #WomenInSports #Football #Motivation #SupportWomensSports #WomensFootball #FemaleAthlete #GirlsPlayToo #FootballLife #TackleLikeAGirl #UtahSports #BallLikeAGirl #PlayLikeAGirl #UtahWomensSports #CommittedPlayer

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Let’s go!!! Utes 71 WVU 64 #utesbasketball #utahutes #friend

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National Signing Day looks a little different this year.
Instead of lacing up and taking the field, I’m spending this season recovering from surgery and grinding through another mid-season from the sidelines.

I won’t be able to touch the field the way I want to but I’m still showing up.
This season I’m shifting my role from player to creator, helping tell the story of the Utah Falconz and staying locked into the game I love.

To my wife 🤍
Thank you for standing beside me through every high, setback, and hard day. I wouldn’t be here without you.

To my friends and teammates 🏈
Thank you for always having my back and reminding me who I am.

To my battle buddy 💪🏼
thank you for sticking by my side, having my back, and being my name twin. Here’s to a great season full of memories.

To the amazing social media team 📸
I’m so excited to work with you all and create content all season long. Let’s make it special.

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If football makes you smile, you’re in the right place🏈

@wnfcfootball
#WNFC #WNFCFootball #StepYourGameUp #FootballLooksLikeThis #BuiltDifferent #HerGame #StrongerTogether #Utah #WomensTackleFootball #UtahFalconz #FalconzFamily #WingzUp #UtahSports #WomenInSports #Football #Motivation #SupportWomensSports #WomensFootball #FemaleAthlete #GirlsPlayToo #FootballLife #TackleLikeAGirl #UtahSports #BallLikeAGirl #PlayLikeAGirl #UtahWomensSports #Smile

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